CEnT-S November Exam: What Did Science Actually Measure?

The November session made it clear how CISIA structures science questions. Using the real CEnT-S November exam and the official CISIA syllabus, PREPTEST prepared a detailed overview of the Physics, Chemistry, and Biology sections: which topics appeared, which concepts were tested, and how students should study. The goal is to help you shift from memorization to a conceptual, understanding-based approach.

Chemistry: Interpretation-Based, Concept-Oriented Questions

Chemistry questions were qualitative and interpretation-first, aiming to check conceptual logic rather than heavy calculation. Key topics in the November session:

• periodic trends and elemental properties

• molecular geometry and bonding theories (VSEPR)

• thermodynamic interpretation (sign of Delta H and Delta S)

• redox logic

• Bronsted-Lowry acid-base theory

• conservation of mass

• molar mass and basic stoichiometry

These foundations match first-year courses in engineering, health sciences, and biology.

Chemistry Question Distribution (based on our analysis)

• Chemical Calculations and Stoichiometry: 1

• Organic Chemistry: 1

• Thermochemistry and Thermodynamics: 1

• Atomic Structure and Quantum Theory: 1

• Periodic Table and Element Properties: 2

• Molecular Geometry (VSEPR): 1

• Acid-Base Theories: 1

• Redox Reactions: 1

• Conservation of Mass and Chemical Reactions: 1

Summary: chemistry spans many concepts; success depends on conceptual mastery over memorization.

Biology: Foundations of Life Sciences

Biology questions went beyond recall and emphasized structure-function understanding. Key topics:

• cell structure and organelle functions

• meiosis, crossing-over, chromosomal mutations

• protein structure and denaturation

• ecology: energy pyramids, biomass, trophic levels

• extracellular matrix (ECM) and tissues

• glucose metabolism and ATP production

Biology Question Distribution (based on our analysis)

• Cell Structure and Organelle Functions: 1

• Respiratory Gas Exchange and Physiology: 1

• Photosynthesis (Calvin Cycle): 1

• Ecology (Ecological Pyramids): 1

• Protein Synthesis and Rough ER: 1

• Genetics (Meiosis and Crossing-over): 1

• Genetics (Karyotype Analysis): 1

• Protein Biochemistry (Denaturation): 1

• Extracellular Matrix and Tissues: 1

• Cellular Metabolism (ATP Production): 1

Summary: biology covers many subtopics; a narrow focus is not enough.

Physics: Core Concepts, Minimal Calculation

Physics had fewer questions, but each checked understanding of a core principle. Items were short and interpretation-heavy.

• physical quantities and dimensional analysis

• uniform circular motion

• potential energy and work

• buoyancy force

• wave types (mechanical and electromagnetic)

Physics Question Distribution (based on our analysis)

• Physical Quantities and Measurement (Dimensional Analysis): 1

• Point Particle Kinematics (Uniform Circular Motion): 1

• Point Particle Dynamics, Energy, and Work: 1

• Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics (Buoyancy): 1

• Electromagnetism (Types of Waves): 1

Summary: knowing formulas is not enough; understanding the principles drives success.

What These Results Mean for Future Candidates

• The exam measures understanding, not memorization.

• Questions are short, direct, and interpretation-heavy.

• Each section tests a wide mix of topics; mastering only one is not enough.

• Build conceptual understanding, read graphs and diagrams, and strengthen analytical reasoning.

Preparing the Right Way with PREPTEST

PREPTEST aligns practice with CISIA's syllabus and the patterns observed in the November exam. Students train on:

• Physics fundamentals

• Chemistry concepts and interpretation

• Biology structure-function reasoning

• Data reading across graphs, tables, and text

This approach builds both exam readiness and the conceptual foundation needed for first-year university science courses.